Garage reorganization is not something to dread

By ADRIAN SAINZ The Associated Press

Few household activities inspire more dread than reorganizing the garage.

Americans’ garages are filled with the requirements and detritus of daily life — paint cans, golf bags, bicycles, dusty trophies, power tools, old clothes, boxes of moldy magazines. Sometimes it gets so stuffed the family car doesn’t fit anymore.

But winter is on the way, and you don’t want to have to spend every morning scraping your windshield, do you?

You can take several approaches to garage organization, whether you tackle it yourself or need some help disposing of and organizing your belongings.

Homeowners can attack the job at a variety of price levels, from less than $100 for small do-it-yourself jobs to the tens of thousands of dollars for a custom-made system from a garage reorganization company.

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Starting Your Garage Make Over

Once you have you have decided on your design it’s time for work to begin. Often this can be where the process comes to screeching halt. When confronted by a garage that is in a state of disarray, it is sometimes hard to know how to get started. A methodical process can get you started and carry you through the entire project. Let’s start with the clean-up.

The Work Begins

Get rid of the junk. Many people are successful by starting with a garage sale. This can be a great way to get people to remove your junk for you. The key to success is organization. First identify everything you can get rid of. Be brutal. That box of books from college may seem like it holds some value but the fact that you haven’t opened it in five years says otherwise. If you haven’t touched something in a couple of years, you don’t need it. Get rid of it. Assemble your pile of goods to sell in one area and put prices on them. Price them cheap. The idea is to get rid of the stuff. Pricing items to high willl leave you with items that will not sell and that will end up in the dumpster. Don’t look at pricing like your trying to open a retail store, price like you need the money. This will make it more attractive to people as they scan the items at the sale. Here’s a great idea for making your yard sale a success. Donate all of the proceeds to your favorite charity. It will help you distance yourself from the whole process of hocking your prized possessions and it will help shoppers ease up a little on the haggling. Pick you favorite charity and put up prominent signs that all proceeds will go to support that charity. Some charities will even help you with promotional materials to let everyone know about the sale in advance. Also make sure you pick a weekend with a favorable weather forecast and promote your sale in the local paper and with signs at major intersections in your neighborhood. On the day of the sale be ready early. Start your sale at 6:00 or 7;00 in the morning. Yard sale professionals like to scan the sales before the items are picked over so be ready early. Also have some coffee and donuts out. It will encourage people to linger a little longer. Also make sure you have a decent amount of cash on hand to make change. Yard sale transactions are cash only so you need to be able to make change.
Once you start to see traffic, get ready to deal. Haggling is part of the yard sale experience. It will also help you move that junk. Don’t stick to your price. Remember the yard sale is a means to an end, getting rid of clutter. Any money you make no matter how insignificant is just icing on the cake.
Traffic usually falls off after lunch time, so typically you can call it a day around 1:00. Look at what’s left. If you have a Good Will center nearby or other charity that will accept donations, sort the remains for transfer to a donation site. Everything else, EVERYTHING ELSE , is going to the landfill. Don’t take anything back into your workspace. If you need to you can rent a roll-off dumpster and load it up. It sounds brutal but many people say it was one of the most liberating steps towards organization that they took. Whether you haul it yourself or use a dumpster make sure you remove as much as possible.
The items that you intend to keep will need to find a temporary home while you work on your garage. If you have an outdoor shed this makes a great temporary storage area. If you don’t have an area to store these items there are great alternatives. There are many companies now offering temporary on site storage structures. These companies will deliver a large structure that looks like a shipping container. The storage unit is leased by the month and is weather proof to allow you to store the items from the garage that you intend to keep. This is a great alternative and allows you to store your items without having to move them a great distance. Make sure you check with your Home Owners Association (HOA) and local governments to see if there are any restrictions on using this type of storage unit. Typically they are allowed but may have a very firm time limit on how long the storage unit may be in place.

Protect Your Garage Floor with Professional Coatings

Epoxy Coatings for Garage Floors – Epoxy Coatings are special chemical coatings that are comprised of two chemical reactants that are combined immediately before application. Once applied to the floor these reactant combine chemically to create an extremely durable surface. These coatings can be pigmented with a wide range of color. They can also be mixed with colored granules that will give a terrazo style finish.

Innovative Storage Solutions: Overhead Storage

Overhead Storage is out of the way yet still accessible
An organized garage will save you time. No more hours of searching for items you’ve stored. You will always know where your belongings are and will be able to put your hands on them in a matter of minutes. One of the greatest additions to the garage storage landscape, is the new solutions for overhead garage storage. As the need for storage space grows the options for wall storage could only accommodate a certain amount, so the industry looked up. The ceiling can be used as an additional storage area to organize your life. Overhead storage is a great solution for seasonal items like summer clothes or holiday decorations. Ideally it should be used for items that you do not need to access frequently. You should also consider how much overhead storage space to utilize in your design. While the ceiling of your garage does represent an opportunity for additional storage, too much overhead storage can lead to a cramped space that feels claustrophobic. There are several approaches to this type of storage. The different types primarily involve the method that the stored materials can be accessed. Your intended use will determine which fits your space and budget. These systems allow you to easily store file boxes, big tools, large toys, canoes, kayaks, holiday ornaments, tires, ladders, third row car seats and just about anything else.

Overhead Storage Options

Fixed Rack Systems
This is the simplest and cheapest solution for ceiling storage in garages. The racks are permanently attached to the ceiling. The drawback is that this storage system needs to be accessed using a ladder.

Hand Cranked System
These overhead systems are raised and lowered using a rotating hand crank. The long hadle is turned from the floor level and a screw system raises and lowers the storage platform. This system also allows home owners to access the storage space without using a ladder.

Pulley and Cable System
These systems use pulleys and cables to raise and lower the storage rack so that it can be accessed from the floor. Typically they have a clutch mechanism to prevent the unit from lowering too fast for safety reasons. These systems allow home owners to load and lift heavy items to the ceiling without using a ladder.

Motorized Garage Storage Systems
These systems also use pulleys and cables to raise and lower the storage rack so that it can be accessed from the floor. This system is a variant of the pulley system that allows any one to raise and lower the system. Typically the system is switched away from light switches so as to avoid confusion. These systems are the most expensive overhead storage systems but allow anyone to access the storage space. These are particularly good systems for seniors who need to use an overhead storage system.

Elements of Garage Design

Garage Storage Components

The main consideration for your new garage is proper storage. This will allow you to have a place for everything so you can maintain a neat appearance in your garage. Storage options include several components; cabinets, racks, wall systems, and overhead storage.

Garage Storage Cabinets – Cabinets for storage in garages can be made of many materials. Typically they are made of wood, plastic, or metal. When considering what type of garage storage cabinet will work best in your particular situation, you must consider cost, aesthetics as well as function and durability. Each type of garage storage cabinet has different qualities. Plastic cabinets are typically the least expensive and are easiest to install. The downside is that they can be rather flimsy and suceptible to wear and tear. Wood cabinets used in garage storage are similar to low end kitchen cabinets. They can have a variety of finishes to match your design preference and are very durable. Metal cabinets are extremely durable and come in unique finishes like diamond plate that can add a very high end look to your garage. Research is the key to making a good decision. Visit jobs that have the cabinets you are interested in and talk to owners that have had them installed to understand the benefits ad drawbacks of the garage storage cabinets that you are interested in.

Garage Storage Racks – Rack storage options started with old pegboard and hooks but has evolved into a highly specialized approach to storing all manner of tools and equipment in garages. There are racks for sports equipment like skis, helmets, balls and golf clubs. There are also racks for hand tools, garden tools and mechanics tools. All of these rack storage solutions work great but must be incorporated into your design carefully. A garage with too much open storage on racks can still end up looking cluttered, so it is important to balance your approach to storage.

Garage Wall Storage Systems – Some garage storage systems use wall sheathing to create the maximum amount of storage space. This sheathing is typically a slatwall material that will allow all of the garage storage components to be hung on the slatwall. This provides the added flexibility of making the entire design reconfigurable. This means that any storage rack or storage cabinet can be moved to a different location in the garage with minimal effort. The slatwall material can be made of wood or plastic ad is typically available in several colors. It is screwed directly over the drywall and does not require any painting.

Overhead Storage for Garages - This is an interesting storage option that has been introduced in recent years. These storage systems are suspended above the floor of the garage typically where your vehicles would be parked. The idea is that this space is “wasted” since it can not be used a the floor level. This can be a great way to expand your storage. Use this option carefully. Too much overhead storage can leave you feeling a little claustrophobic.

Garage Floor Coverings and Coatings. – One of the most striking improvements you can make to your garage is on the floor. The unsealed concrete floors that are a hallmark of the american garage are susceptible to damage and stains. The wide range of floor coverings and coatings that have been developed for garage floors gives consumers a wide range of options for aesthetics, durability and cost. These include epoxy paints, acrylic, and urethane coatings, thermoplastic coatings as well as a variety of mats, and tiles. Each option has benifits and limitations co it is important to understand each option.

Epoxy Coatings for Garage Floors - Epoxy Coatings are special chemical coatings that are comprised of two chemical reactants that are combined immediately before application. Once applied to the floor these reactant combine chemically to create an extremely durable surface. These coatings can be pigmented with a wide range of color. They can also be mixed with colored granules that will give a terrazo style finish. There are two basic types of epoxy

Thermoplastic Garage Floor Coatings – This coating system is a thermoplastic acrylic designed for sealing over concrete. This is also a very durable floor coating that comes in a variety of granite like finishes. It seals and protects the substrate from stains, chemical attack, and surface wear.

Vinyl TIles for Garage Floors – Perhaps the easiest solution for garage flooring is vinyl tiles. These tiles come in a wide variety of patterns, textures, and colors. They are also simple to install. the drawback is that since the installation leaves seams there is the potential for moisture penetration and lifting. This potential can be mitigated with careful maintenance and care.

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Great Solutions for Garage Floor Finishes

Garage Floor Coatings

Raw concrete floors in garages are subjected to exposure to many harsh chemicals and physical wear and tear. An unprotected floor may result in long term damage to the concrete and result in the need for extensive repairs. To avoid costly expenses later on, it is always better to have a professional, durable protective coating applied to your concrete garage floor. Many consumers will attempt to apply inferior coatings that are available off the shelf. One drawback of this approach is that applying the these consumer coating onto your garage floor may prove to be too difficult. It can also be a very time consuming job. Preparation of concrete surfaces and the correct application of these floor coatings is very time consuming for anyone who does not do it on a regular basis. Failure to prepare the concrete surface may result in in an inferior finish, or worse a sticky mess. Our professional installers have years of experience in the garage flooring industry and are experts in proper preparation of surfaces and the correct application os our superior floor coatings. Our custom blended garage floor coating consist of liquid thermo-plastics and ceramic granules and will provide you with protection for your garage floor against the harmful effects of corrosive substances on the porous concrete flooring of your garage.

Protect Your Garage Floor with Professional Coatings

Epoxy Coatings for Garage Floors – Epoxy Coatings are special chemical coatings that are comprised of two chemical reactants that are combined immediately before application. Once applied to the floor these reactant combine chemically to create an extremely durable surface. These coatings can be pigmented with a wide range of color. They can also be mixed with colored granules that will give a terrazo style finish. There are two basic types of epoxy

Thermoplastic Garage Floor Coatings – This coating system is a thermoplastic acrylic designed for sealing over concrete. This is also a very durable floor coating that comes in a variety of granite like finishes. It seals and protects the substrate from stains, chemical attack, and surface wear.

Vinyl TIles for Garage Floors – Perhaps the easiest solution for garage flooring is vinyl tiles. These tiles come in a wide variety of patterns, textures, and colors. They are also simple to install. the drawback is that since the installation leaves seams there is the potential for moisture penetration and lifting. This potential can be mitigated with careful maintenance and care.

Why Should I Hire a Professional Floor Coating Installer?

The best way to get a durable floor coating is to hire a contractor who specializes in garage floor coatings. We have experience working with all the major problems and challenges associated with concrete coating and restoration. Trained installers will know how to deal with problems typically associated with concrete floors and apply the correct treatments quickly. Since these situations typically occur in garage makeover projects, professional installers will be ready to deal with most problems and keep your project moving along.

Don’t use a standard porch and floor paint on your garage; they just don’t hold up. Have the contractor use a commercial grade coating, which should last many times longer than normal paints.

Cabinets Are For More Than The Kitchen

Garage Cabinets for storage in garages can be made of many materials. Typically they are made of wood, plastic, or metal. When considering what type of garage storage cabinet will work best in your particular situation, you must consider cost, aesthetics as well as function and durability. Each type of garage storage cabinet has different qualities. Plastic cabinets are typically the least expensive and are easiest to install. The downside is that they can be rather flimsy and suceptible to wear and tear. Wood cabinets used in garage storage are similar to low end kitchen cabinets. They can have a variety of finishes to match your design preference and are very durable. Metal cabinets are extremely durable and come in unique finishes like diamond plate that can add a very high end look to your garage. Research is the key to making a good decision. Visit jobs that have the cabinets you are interested in and talk to owners that have had them installed to understand the benefits ad drawbacks of the garage storage cabinets that you are interested in.

Cabinet Designs - Most Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs will allow you to layout and understand your garage space so you can design you cabinet layout. Many distributors and installers of cabinets for garage storage will help you layout your cabinets, often free of charge in the hope that you will purchase their product. Whichever way you come at this endeavor, go into it with some idea of what you want and what you are willing to spend.
When you design your cabinet space consider separating items into the following groups:

* Gardening equipment
* Sporting goods
* Tools
* Seasonal items

It is also a great idea to include a locking cabinet to store hazardous equipment and materials safely out of the reach of little hands.

Garage Floor Paints

The cheapest alternative for finishing your garage floor is an off the shelf paint. BEHR Concrete & Masonry Waterproofing Paint with NanoGuard technology is a premium, interior/exterior waterproofer designed for porous concrete and masonry surfaces. This low odor, masonry waterproofer is formulated for waterproofing above and below grade basement walls, masonry walls, retaining walls, cinder & concrete blocks, stucco and brick. This alkali resistant coating provides a long-lasting, durable and decorative finish that resist water seeping under hydrostatic pressure. It uses NanoGuard technology to form an extremely strong adhesive barrier to stop water infiltration.

Behr paints are typically available at Home Depot.

Garage Storage Storage Racks

Rack storage options started with old pegboard and hooks but has evolved into a highly specialized approach to storing all manner of tools and equipment in garages. There are racks for sports equipment like skis, helmets, balls and golf clubs. There are also racks for hand tools, garden tools and mechanics tools. All of these rack storage solutions work great but must be incorporated into your design carefully. A garage with too much open storage on racks can still end up looking cluttered, so it is important to balance your approach to storage.

Design and install your dream garage!

How many times have you walked into your garage and cringed at the mess? Are you embarrassed to open your garage door for fear the neighbors will see the mess? You can do something about it. Transform your garage into a oasis of storage and efficiency that you will be proud to show the world. Organizing your garage can seem like a daunting task, but with with a little planning and some hard work you can convert that waste of space into an efficient storage area that will enhance your life. Today’s garage storage systems and garage floor treatments are designed specifically for your garage and will allow you to install a complete garage make-over in a short amount of time. There are also many garage storage contractors who can take care of the whole process for you. Either way, by preparing for the process by thoroughly educating yourself about the materials and techniques used to design and install garage storage systems and floor coverings. Use the information provided on this sight to begin your garage make-over project. You will find information on getting started, garage storage cabinets and storage systems, overhead garage storage racks, wall coverings, and floor coatings. So whethr you plan to design and install your new garage storage system yoursel or hire a professional garage organization contractor, we can help you make your project a success.

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